Carsington Water

The talk given by Paul Bennett, a ranger from Severn Trent Water illustrated just how well we can manage what is basically an industrial facility for the benefit of its visitors and wildlife as well as Severn Trent's customers.

Following a short delay because the projector wouldn't work (isn't technology wonderful), Jeune our secretary stepped into the breach and found a replacement - thanks Jeune. We then spent a pleasant hour listening to how STW have developed the facility at Carsington Water and the type of work they do there as wildlife wardens, from installing a very gothic looking bat roost large enough to have required a crane to lift it into position, to the routine planting and management of trees around the reservoir.

Something that I found fascinating was that they use sheep from neighbouring farms to help control the grassed areas, including, believe it or not, on the islands. They take out a small flock of sheep to the islands by a small specialised boat - not a job I would fancy.

The slides presented gave a good impression of the large variety of birds species that use the reservoir either as permanent residents or seasonal visitors. They have several hides in strategic areas which visitors can use to do their own bit of twitching, or if you prefer you can just ramble around the reserve on one of the routes they have marked. Also, if you are a dog owner, they are tolerant of dogs being off the lead in the less sensitive areas as long as they are under control.

All in all a very interesting and informative talk and whilst I worked in the area when the reservoir was being built I have never visited it, a shortcoming that will be remedied in the very near future. In the mean time the link on the left will give you a view from the Carsington Webcam, though not using night vision.

For further information about Carsington Water or other STW reservoirs and the programme of events you can ring their activity hotline on 0870 062 7777

Our thanks once again to Paul from Severn Trent and Jeune.

Post Script
I have just come back from my first visit to Carsington Water and although we only spent a couple of hours walking around the dam wall and Stones island, I can see that is full of potential for anyone interested in wildlife or sailing. (Would you believe, its nearly Christmas and there where at least 50 sailing boats on the water and several windsurfers. talk about frost bite).

One disappointing feature of the Visitors Centre was the amount of polystyrene used in the Cafe, just the thought of all that non-biodegradable material used in the cups and burger boxes makes me cringe. There has to be an alternative which actually doesn't cost the earth.

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